The Cambodia: Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries Project (SCMF) is a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the climate resilience and long-term sustainability of Cambodia’s coastal and marine ecosystems. Focused on the provinces of Kampot, Kep, Koh Kong, and Preah Sihanouk, the project seeks to reverse the decline in fisheries, promote sustainable mariculture, and improve fish landing sites to ensure seafood quality and safety.
By implementing sustainable practices, the project is expected to regenerate approximately 40% of nearshore fisheries, providing vital support for both biodiversity recovery and community-based climate adaptation. At the same time, the initiative fosters private sector growth, encouraging small businesses and local communities to diversify their livelihoods, strengthen sustainable enterprises, and empower women through increased participation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
As part of this effort, Save the Earth Cambodia (STEC) serves as the technical agency responsible for implementing Component CS-06: Fisher Engagement Facilitator (FEF). In this role, STEC plays a pivotal part in advancing the project’s vision by promoting meaningful community participation, building trust among stakeholders, and facilitating open communication between fisher communities and project partners.
The Fisher Engagement Facilitators work directly with Community Fisheries (CFis) to draw upon traditional ecological knowledge, improve fisheries management planning, and support multi-stakeholder dialogue. This collaborative approach ensures that CFis are fully equipped to manage and benefit from their entitlements under the project’s fisheries reward programme.
In addition, the project’s social safeguard team actively monitors the implementation of key frameworks, including the Results Framework (RF), Country Partnership Framework (CPF), and Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM). This ensures accountability, transparency, and alignment with national priorities for sustainable development.
Through its integrative approach, the SCMF Project not only supports ecological recovery but also strengthens community resilience and social equity — paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future for Cambodia’s coastal fisheries.